Thomas Chippendale’s The Gentleman and Cabinet Maker’s Director (The Director) was intended to be used assales promotional tools, containing both commissioned and promotional designs. Another purpose of the publication ofthe Director was to gain a leading position among 18th century London furniture makers. After having published theDirector, Chippendale managed to stay as a leading fi gure by adding new designs to reprints of the Director withoutshowing all details of his designs.